Why do companies have strategy conferences offsite? Theories vary from the practical such as escaping the relentlessness of emails and phone calls (although modern technology has nearly put paid to this unless executives are relieved of their Blackberries for the course of a conference) through to being out of the office in a new environment encourages new ideas and creativity
Human Resources magazine once again puts itself on the line to explore great conference destinations around the world
Why do companies have strategy conferences offsite? Theories vary from the practical such as escaping the relentlessness of emails and phone calls (although modern technology has nearly put paid to this unless executives are relieved of their Blackberries for the course of a conference) through to being out of the office in a new environment encourages new ideas and creativity. Some organisations even go the open route and say that the venue can be something of a treat for hardworking staff. Others still, argue that the journey, particularly to offshore or remote destinations, can lend itself to the whole experiential learning and bonding experience, which can be just as rewarding and valuable for a team as the content to be discussed and decided upon at the actual conference.
Surely if there was one destination that answered the call to more of these themes than any other it would be Hokkaido, Japan. Human Resources magazine visited the Asahikawa and Furano districts of Hokkaido in March when the northern island of Japan was still blanketed in a covering of snow similar to the opening scene of Fargo. Unlike Tokyo and Osaka, Hokkaido gives the visitor a relatively more traditional view of Japan, while still having enough of the modern quirks associated with the country to ensure you feel you’ve had a Japanese experience.
The second largest Island in Japan, Hokkaido is also the northern most of the four large islands and the least developed. Although best known to Australians as a skiing destination, particularly around the island’s capital Sapporo, the region in the centre of the island –including Asahikawa, Furano and Sounkyo – offers the visitor far more than deep powder.
Sounkyo Onsen, situated within the Daisetuzan National Park, is a resort town not dissimilar in size to Thredbo village. Onsen means hot spring and this is what the region is most famous for and, for my money, probably the best single feature the region has to offer. We quickly fell into the habit of saying: “I’m off for an onsen,” or “Does anyone feel like onsening?”– the answer to which was almost always in the affirmative.
Blessed with a multitude of volcanic hot springs, the onsen has become a core part of the Japanese way of life on Hokkaido. Most hotels as well as dedicated public onsen have harnessed this mineral-rich source of hot water and turned out spectacular bath houses where men and women, separately, can come together and relax.
From a cultural perspective, it’s a little daunting at first for a modest westerner. Upon entering the onsen, you’re confronted with a changing room where you are expected to get your kit off before heading into the main bathhouse area without your towel; there are quite strict rules on onsen etiquette. Having not had the benefit of a boarding school upbringing, public nudity is not something I’ve usually embraced with relish. Clinging to my modesty towel, the size of your average tea towel, the next phase in the process, and it literally is a process, is to head for the sit-down showers.
Our hotel in Sounkyo Onsen, Hotel Taisetsu, takes its onsen very seriously and offers three to the hotel guests. Situated high above the rest of the village, two of the three onsen at the hotel offer outdoor areas. One evening I sat up to my chest in the 40-something degree mineral-rich water while a blizzard blew snow all around me. Hot from the water I lifted my arm out of the water and went to run my fingers through my hair only to find it frozen solid. During the day, these onsen have spectacular views of the Sounkyo Gorge and Mount Daisetuzan, the highest mountain on Hokkaido.
Regardless of the language barrier, here the friendliness and gentleness of the Japanese people was clearly evident and for me was the most endearing feature of the landscape; I very quickly got a sense that I could be happy in this land.
So good are the onsen of Hotel Taisetsu that this was the only hotel of our winter trip where there was something like a full house. Guests, ourselves included with an army of predominantly older Japanese, ranged around the hotel in traditional robes easy to slip off and ease into another onsen having your loyalty card stamped on the way. Once you had collected all three stamps, you were eligible for a prize. I made it to all three onsen, but forgot to see what my prize was; guess I’ll just have to go back.
The writer was a guest of Furano, Asahikawa and Sounkyo Onsen tourism associations. Contact Hotel Taisetsu +81 1658 5 3211.
Ashikawa Zoo
This is the number one zoo in all of Japan. The highlight is a visit during the winter months when the zoo's King Penguins are walked along an avenue, lined with adoring Japanese, to keep them fit and trim. Perhaps surprisingly the zoo boasts a more ecological experience of viewing the animals than you would expect - a fact backed by the former amusement park and rollercoaster being dismantled and taken away as it did not fit in with the overall theme of animals as they naturally should be. The zoo's polar bear and seal display, separate obviously, are both also stunning.
Otokoyama Sake Brewery and Museum
First brewed in Itami during the Kanbun era (1661-1673), Otokoyama Sake is a company so rich in history that it has to be worth visiting for that reason alone. However the brewery and museum is fascinated not least of which is the beautiful wood block prints that have adorned the labels and posters promoting the traditional drink for centuries. The free tasting bar is also worth indulging in moderation of course.
Snow Crystal Museum
Asahikawa sees more than its fair share of snow, so it should come as no surprise that the city has a museum dedicated to the stuff. This museum has some beautiful displays, but the building itself is architecturally stunning and features a magnificent frozen waterfall. It is also able to cater for quite large functions and regularly hosts weddings and the like. Certainly a great conference venue.
Contact the Asahikawa Tourist Association tel: +81 0166 23 0900.
